The Role of the Minimally Invasive Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion Procedure for Complex Spinal Reconstruction

Extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) has gained popularity for use in degenerative stenosis and other conditions of the lumbar spine. The XLIF approach affords an ability to correct collapsed disc spaces and potentially aid in the correction of complex spinal deformities while minimizing blood loss and neurologic complications. Potential indications for the use of XLIF in complex deformities include adult degenerative scoliosis, adjacent segment disease, and infection. Complications include a high number of transient neurologic injuries to the lumbosacral plexus and rare permanent deficits. Although the technology remains in the early stages of adoption, XLIF can be a powerful tool for use in complex spinal deformities.